Flushing Hospital Medical Center is the proud recipient of the New York State Obstetric Hemorrhage Project 2021 Quality Improvement Award.

The award recognizes Flushing Hospital’s participation and dedicated work in the New York State Obstetric Hemorrhage Project which was created by the New York State Perinatal Quality Collaborative (NYSPQC) to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality associated with obstetric hemorrhage.

Maternal morbidity is defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as, “any short- or long-term health problems that result from being pregnant and giving birth.”  While maternal mortality, “refers to the death of a woman from complications of pregnancy or childbirth that occur during the pregnancy or within 6 weeks after the pregnancy ends.”

Both issues have been causes for concern nationally as data shows that maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the U.S. have been inclining steadily.

In November of 2017, the NYSPQC initiated the NYS Obstetric Hemorrhage Project in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Healthcare Association of New York State, and the Greater New York Hospital Association with the support of the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality to address this problem.

Flushing Hospital joined the project as part of its ongoing efforts to provide patients and their families with the best, safest, and most equitable care.

As a participant, Flushing Hospital has met or exceeded the project’s goal of assessing at least 85% of patients for risk of obstetric hemorrhage upon admission and during the postpartum period. The hospital also implemented measures to improve readiness to respond to obstetric hemorrhage.

“This project involved a multidisciplinary approach with monthly webinars and in-person meetings in Albany. Together, we worked on updating our policies, acquired a hemorrhage cart, and updated our hemorrhage kit.  We also performed simulation drills and devised a hemorrhage assessment for patients antepartum, upon admission to Labor and Delivery, and postpartum. Our team has been educated and trained on all changes to ensure the delivery of quality care,” explained Maria Smilios, Director of Nursing Maternal and Child Services at Flushing Hospital.

Flushing Hospital was commended for its dedication and “exemplary work” by the New York State Perinatal Quality Collaborative. The hospital will continue to focus on improving maternal morbidity and maternal rates in its community to ensure a healthier future for all.

This year, Patient Safety Awareness Week was observed from March 13^th to the 19^th.   The annual observation was created to raise awareness of the importance of safety in healthcare.

The Patient Safety Awareness Week theme chosen for 2022 was, “Together We Are Better, Stronger, Safer.”  The MediSys Health Network’s Performance Improvement Department held a series of events that focused on bringing care teams together to learn more about patient safety in a fun environment.

Activities for the week included games of Trivial Pursuit as well as an essay contest in which participants were encouraged to share what safety meant to them.  Over 500 Flushing and Jamaica Hospital employees played trivia games, and a total of 16 submissions were entered into the essay competition. Winners of the essay contest are as follows:

• Jamaica Hospital: 1^st place – 4 South, 2^nd place– NICU, 3^rd place– Psych MH2 & MH3
• Flushing Hospital: 1^st place– 3 West, 2^nd place-ICU, 3^rd place– 4 North 1 & 2

The winning essays will be posted on the MyMediSys intranet page under the Quality Department- Performance Improvement folder.

Overall, Patient Safety Awareness Week at MediSys Health was a great success. We thank the Performance Improvement Department for coordinating a series of engaging and educational events.

The MediSys Health Network has once again earned multiple, top-ranking Healthgrades awards for 2022, classifying the network as a nationally recognized, high-performing healthcare organization.

Healthgrades is a leading online resource committed to delivering the most scientifically accurate and comprehensive information about doctors and hospitals. To assess overall hospital performance, the company reviews outcomes across more than 31 of the most common  medical procedures and conditions.  Recipients of Healthgrades awards have consistently delivered better than expected outcomes for their patients.

For the third consecutive year, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has been named  by Healthgrades as one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals™ in 2022, placing it in the top 5 percent of hospitals in the country and recognizing the organiztion as an overall leader in clinical excellence. Other notable awards received by Jamaica Hospital include the following:

• Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention™ for 3 Years in a Row (2020-2022)
• Healthgrades Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ for 2 Years in a Row (2021-2022)
• Healthgrades Stroke Care Excellence Award™ for 6 Years in a Row (2017-2022)
• Healthgrades Neurosciences Excellence Award™ for 4 Years in a Row (2019-2022)

Flushing Hospital Medical Center also excelled in several categories and received the following top honors:

• Healthgrades 2022 Stroke Care Excellence Award™
• Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Pneumonia in 2022
• Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Attack in 2022

Overall, the MediSys Health Network ‘s performance was exceptional.  The network’s focus on patient satisfaction and its commitment to providing quality healthcare were essential in helping the organization rank among the nation’s top hospitals.

“It is a great achievement to be awarded as one of Healthgrades’ America’s 250 Best Hospitals,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Data Science at Healthgrades. “Now more than ever, patients are learning the importance of taking control of their health and using resources like Healthgrades to find the perfect hospital and caregiver match. We commend Medisys Health Network for providing superior service and committing themselves to keeping their communities safe.”

According to statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in March 2021, over 3 million babies were born in the United States in 2019. Among this group, only 3,136 were triplets.

Very few of these births occurred spontaneously (without the assistance of fertility treatments). This is because the chance of triplets being conceived naturally occurs in 1 in every 10,000 pregnancies.

Spontaneous triplets are uncommon, and with birth rates declining across the country, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center was not anticipating that it would be setting a record for the facility by delivering two sets of triplets, both naturally conceived, two days apart.   “The chance of this happening is rare.  So, when we learned that two of our moms were expected to deliver triplets very close to each other, we were excited. We also knew there would be a lot of hard work and careful planning ahead,” said Dr. Janice Krystal Ascencio, Women’s Health ACC Medical Director.

Having triplets or any form of multiple pregnancy is considered high risk. There are often health problems that can develop and lead to preterm labor and birth. Therefore, it was important for the babies’ healthcare team at Jamaica Hospital to begin specialized care early in the mothers’ pregnancies.

“We encountered a few complications during both pregnancies, shared Dr. Ugochi Akoma, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist and Director of Perinatal Diagnostic Centers & Obstetric Ultrasound at Jamaica Hospital. “Both moms at some point in the early third trimester had to be monitored closely for concerning cardiac symptoms.  Moms who are pregnant with multifetal pregnancies have a higher risk of developing a cardiac condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy which fortunately was not diagnosed.”

There were also concerns about the babies’ health. Doctors diagnosed one of the triplets with fetal growth restriction, a condition that causes babies not to grow and develop according to gestational age standards. In the other set of triplets, two of the babies shared one placenta. There are several problems that could occur when this happens, the most significant is a conditon called twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Caring for the moms and babies was a well-coordinated effort between multiple departments.  There were frequent meetings and mock drills conducted that involved OB/GYN, NICU, Nursing, Pediatric, Cardiology, Respiratory, BioMed, Anesthesia, Medicine, Social Work and Blood Bank professionals. “We worked together as one team and our collective goal was to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery for both families,” said Dr. Akoma.

At the center of this healthcare team were the moms. Making sure that their voices were heard, and that they felt empowered throughout their journeys was made a high priority.  Jamaica Hospital provided a supportive environment in which strong bonds were formed between the patients and their healthcare providers.  The moms also developed a relationship with each other, becoming close friends.

Months of preparation and planning resulted in two successful deliveries.  On November 9, 2021, the Cruz family welcomed their baby girls into the world.  The Hoyos family celebrated the birth of their little girls two days later. Both sets of triplets were born during the 32nd week of the pregnancy. After delivery, the babies were transferred to the hospital’s Level 3 NICU where they received around-the-clock care.

Six little miracles made their debut at Jamaica Hospital in time for the holiday season, giving all involved in this journey a reason to be thankful. “Our team is humbled to have had the privilege of caring for and delivering these babies. There was lots of hard work but there was just as much joy,” stated Dr. Akoma.

On October 18, 2021, the MediSys Health Network hosted its 22^nd Annual MediSys Golf Classic to benefit Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

The event was the first to be held in over two years due to COVID restrictions.

The MediSys Golf Classic took place at the Old Westbury Country Club, where guests were greeted by friendly faces and welcomed to enjoy luxurious amenities.

There was a vibrant energy shared among attendees as all were excited to gather and have a wonderful time. One hundred and twenty-six golfers took to the green while others received massages or participated in health and wellness activities such as yoga.

After hours of a little friendly competition and relaxation, guests convened to dining areas where they were treated to an array of delicious cuisines.

MediSys Health Network President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz took this opportunity to welcome everyone back and thank employees for their hard work during the pandemic.  Mr. Flanz also thanked supporters of Jamaica and Flushing Hospital for their dedication.

Following Mr. Flanz was Dr. Cono Grasso, the event’s honorary chairman, who shared a few jokes before announcing the winners of various golf competitions. Raffle prize winners were also announced.  This year’s grand prize included a $1,000 American Airlines gift card along with a $1,000 Visa gift card for the winner to enjoy on an adventure of their choosing.  Other prizes consisted of a shopping spree, a hotel getaway package, a restaurant package, electronics and more.

Overall, the 2021 MediSys Golf Classic was a great success. This year, there were more guests than in previous years; however, the best part of the evening was being able to gather once again for a good cause.

On Thursday, August 4^th, the MediSys Health Network hosted award ceremonies at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center to celebrate being the recipient of numerous Healthgrades awards.

Both events commenced with opening remarks from MediSys Health Network President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz followed by Dr. Sabiha Raoof CMO and Chairperson of Radiology. In their speeches, Mr. Flanz and Dr. Raoof reflected on navigating the COVID -19 pandemic and thanked hospital employees for their steadfast commitment to providing patients with quality health care in unprecedented times.

Jennie Mandelbaum, Healthgrades’ Associate Director of Quality Solutions, was later introduced to guests. She enthusiastically congratulated each hospital on earning multiple nationally recognized awards and explained the significance of obtaining notable recognitions from Healthgrades.

Healthgrades is the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. The platform assists patients in finding the best doctors and hospitals for their needs.  Each year, Healthgrades analyzes nearly 4,500 hospitals in the United States and evaluates their performance in providing quality care for multiple conditions and procedures.

Based on its overall performance, Jamaica Hospital ranked among the top 5% of facilities in the nation for overall clinical excellence and was selected as a 2021 America’s 250 Best Hospitals award recipient. This is the second consecutive year that Jamaica Hospital has received this award.

The hospital was also presented with America’s 100 Best Coronary Intervention and America’s 100 Best Stroke Care awards, as well as 2021 Excellence awards for cranial neurosurgery, neurosciences, gynecologic surgery, and pulmonary care.

Watch the Jamaica Hospital award ceremony highlights here

Flushing Hospital received recognition as a top performer in delivering outstanding patient care for several specialties and procedures.  The hospital was awarded the Healthgrades 2021 America’s 100 Best General Surgery, the 2021 Pulmonary Care Excellence Award, and the 2020 Excellence awards for Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Labor and Delivery.

Watch the Flushing Hospital award ceremony highlights here

“We applaud the recipients of the Healthgrades America’s 50, 100 and 250 Best Hospitals for their long-standing commitment to quality and superior clinical outcomes. As hospitals across the country continue to fearlessly treat patients during the time of COVID-19, it has never been more important to recognize those organizations that are delivering the highest quality care,” stated Dr. Brad Bowman Chief Medical Officer at Healthgrades.

In its most recent effort to alleviate stress among employees and promote a healing environment, the MediSys Health Network has collaborated with Studio Elsewhere, a bio-experiential technology company, and the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) to bring custom-designed Recharge Rooms to Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

The Recharge Rooms sponsored by GNYHA provide stress-reducing, multisensory and immersive experiences that utilize synchronized lighting, scent, and psychoacoustic sounds to simulate nature’s restorative landscapes. Here, employees can transcend to any one of 10 relaxing escapes such as watching the waves crash on a beach or enjoying a campfire by a lake, simply by voice activating each simulation.

In addition to viewing tranquil nature projections, employees can enjoy the ambiance of flickering faux candles, aromatic oil diffusers, beautiful silk-leaf plants, and comfortable lounge chairs. Each item was purposely selected to aid with relaxation and lowering elevated stress levels.

Information on ways to contact a mental health counselor if needed and resources that promote mental wellness are also available in each room.

The Recharge Room will officially open at Jamaica Hospital on Monday, July 26^th.  All MediSys employees are encouraged to visit, take a break and de-stress.

The room is located on the 2^nd floor of the A/B building, just outside the elevators.  The space can comfortably accommodate two people at a time. It is accessible 24/7 and no appointments are necessary. The suggested use time for each visit is approximately 10-15 minutes so that others can have access.

Please enjoy a sneak peek of the Recharge Room here:

The opening of the Recharge Room at Flushing Hospital has been postponed. Updates will be provided to employees as soon as they become available.

In November of 2020, Flushing Hospital Medical Center announced plans to expand and modernize the entire fifth floor of the hospital which includes the Labor, Delivery and Recovery (LDR) suites, Mother/Baby Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Newborn Nursery.

The renovation project, named New Beginnings,  aims to provide modern amenities in beautifully designed spaces, offering the ultimate mother/baby birthing experience and accommodations for families.

Today, the hospital is delighted to share that an important phase of the project is now completed; three mother/baby rooms have been fully renovated and are currently in use.

The Mother/Baby Unit at Flushing Hospital offers modernistic, private rooms to patients. Each room is designed to provide a relaxing environment for mothers and babies to bond while receiving advanced postpartum care. New design enhancements and amenities include private ADA compliant bathrooms with showers, sleeper beds to accommodate a designated support person’s overnight stay as well as an electronic information board and bedside tablet for mothers.

We invite you to take a virtual tour here: https://virte.ch/tours/1056flu/draft2/

Other renovations for the New Beginnings project are underway. Plans include completing the remodel for the remaining mother/ baby rooms, expanding the current LDR suites from eight to eleven and converting the existing triage space from one large, semi-private area to four private rooms.   Flushing Hospital is also increasing the number of recovery rooms on the unit from three to four and adding one more delivery room.

Additional expansion plans include installing an enhanced air circulation system which will give all rooms the capability to provide negative pressure. This feature is extremely important for patient safety, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center are proud to receive Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence (DICOE) designation from the American College of Radiology (ACR).

To receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in all modalities they provide, and in which the ACR offers an accreditation program. Another requirement is participation in the Dose Index Registry® and General Radiology Improvement Database, as well as Image Wisely® and Image Gently® pledges. All of which are initiatives promoted by the ACR to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, and effective imaging care to patients.

Furthermore, facilities must demonstrate excellence at multiple levels.  Performance is measured by the successful completion of comprehensive assessments in the following areas:

• Governance and personnel
• Facility organization and management
• Physical environment
• Equipment and IT infrastructure
• Radiation and general safety
• Quality management
• Policies and procedures
• Patient rights and medical records

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital have exceeded the standard requirements of accreditation to achieve DICOE designation.  Patients of both hospitals can be assured they are receiving the highest levels of imaging quality, safety, and care.

The success of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s virtual CenteringPregnancy program has gained the attention of many in our community, including NY1 News.

Members of the hospital’s Women’s Health Department were interviewed by reporter Clodagh McGowan to learn more about the benefits offered by the program.  Viewers were allowed access to a virtual group session that included eight expecting mothers, and program facilitators demonstrated the efficacy of an online prenatal model of care.

The CenteringPregnancy program at Jamaica Hospital was introduced in 2014 as a unique way to help pregnant women become more actively involved in their prenatal care and share their experiences with other moms in a group setting.  Sessions were held onsite at the Women’s Health clinic.

The program continued to thrive since its inception; however, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 presented a new challenge.  Group participants were no longer able to meet in person due to social distancing and safety regulations.

The absence of community and physical interactions began to affect pregnant women in several ways.  Studies show that over 50% of expecting mothers admitted to feeling extremely lonely and isolated due to spending more time at home, and away from others.  These factors are believed to be contributors to a rise in prenatal depression.

Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Department provided a solution to this problem by offering pregnant women a safe place where they could gather in the age of COVID and feel supported.   The department moved its CenteringPregnancy program to a virtual space on Zoom.   Here, patients of the hospital could continue to receive prenatal care and actively engage with a community of healthcare providers and fellow moms.

Jamaica Hospital’s virtual CenteringPregnancy program has been highly successful. The program has earned recognition from leading institutions and is used to demonstrate the benefits of virtual prenatal care to other medical facilities.   The NY1 story has been shared on social media by several notable leaders in healthcare including the University of North Carolina’s Gilling School of Global Public Health and Centering Healthcare Institute CEO Angie Truesdale, both commending the work of the program.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the pregnancy experience for a lot of women, and we are constantly thinking of ways to make it as positive as we can,” said Patricia Fox, Certified Midwife.  “Our team has established this unique, virtual platform so that we can provide our patients with a healthcare service that is convenient, safe, and supportive. We understand how important these things are during these unprecedented times,” shared Thalita Viruet, Practice Manager for the Women’s Health Center.

You can watch the news story here: